BY VEENA RAO
Washington, DC, October 9, 2025: In a major step toward modernizing immigration procedures, the Government of India has announced that all foreign nationals, including Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders, must now complete a digital disembarkation card — known as the E-Arrival Card — before traveling to India.
The new rule, effective October 1, 2025, replaces the traditional paper disembarkation form with an online version aimed at speeding up immigration clearance and reducing wait times at airports.
Travelers can complete and submit the form up to 72 hours before their arrival by visiting https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival or using the “Indian Visa Su-Swagatam” mobile app. Officials say the digitized form will allow immigration authorities to pre-screen passenger details, streamlining entry into the country.
While the physical disembarkation card will continue to be accepted for a transitional period of up to six months, foreign travelers are strongly encouraged to switch to the digital system immediately to avoid delays.
The new requirement applies to all foreign nationals, including OCI cardholders, though Indian citizens are exempt. Authorities also emphasized that the E-Arrival Card is not a substitute for a visa — travelers must still hold a valid visa or e-Visa before entering India.
The digitization of the arrival card is part of a broader government initiative to modernize border entry systems and enhance passenger convenience. The Su-Swagatam app, introduced earlier this year, now serves as a single platform for visa services and travel documentation, including the new e-Arrival process.
